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aj456's avatar
aj456
Member
7 months ago

High Grade DCIS - radiotherapy

Hello, 
I have been diagnosed with a small 4mm high grade DCIS. I am very anxious about Radiotherapy and was keen to avoid it, so took the DCSIONRT test. The results can back with a rating of 5 out of 10 (so not low risk and not high risk) and now I am having a hard time trying to figure out what to do. I am trying to figure out what I most fear, a reoccurrence or that the radiotherapy is going damage healthy tissues despite knowing that radiotherapy is more targeted these days. Any advice from someone that has been through this would be great. Thanks 
dcis
radiotherapy
  • Katie46's avatar
    Katie46
    Member
    7 months ago
    I finished 3 weeks of radiation in July, I had a bit of redness, like a mild sunburn, a bit tight feeling but not painful. I slathered myself in sorbolene after treatment and every night and morning, and continue using it now. My skin is back to normal,  like it never happened.
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    7 months ago
    So sorry to see you join our select little group @aj456.   Have you seen a surgeon or Have you had your surgery yet?  

    Hmmm ... 5 out of 10 .... are you now perhaps leaning more towards having the radiation?

    I had ILC (Invasive Lobular Cancer) not DCIS - and had 4 weeks of radiation including 2 'boosters' and I had very little skin break down and my surgeon was amazed at just how soft & supple my flesh is, even now, 6 years later.  Some people 'may' have some thickening of flesh ... ask your Radiation Oncologist about this when you see them. xx. Consider recording your meetings too, on your phone .... it is difficult trying to remember everything that is said in the early meetings, due to being nervous!

    You can ask the Rad Onc about the use of Mepitel (or similar) .... It is like a 'fake skin' that is put over the breast (depending on your surgery) that helps protect the skin from radiation burning.  The main thing with Rads, is to keep moisturisers up to the area a couple of times a day ... and you'll need to continue for the best part of 4 weeks, even after you've completed the treatment.

    To be honest, it was the easiest part of my treatment!!  The Radiation Oncs are very good at only giving the dose 'required' - and all going well, there shouldn't be damage to healthy tissue.  Mine was immediately under the nipple and my Rad Onc had me lying face down on the 'table' with my breast hanging thru a hole (so the machine went UNDER the table) and this also prevented 'overflow' of rays from affecting other tissue or organs (and I am not big breasted ... just a 34.) 

    Jump onto this thread that has some great info in it .... what to take to hospital, some 'self assessing Tick Sheets' to keep track of you physical and mental health .... and if you are into art & craft, or have a lovely garden - you can show them off in a few different threads!   We even have a couple of Funny Posts as well, as we really do need a good laugh now & then!
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

    Take care, and put up ANY question that you'd like answered ... there are NO dumb questions.  We've 'been there, done that' and may be able to smooth the road for you a bit as you access your treatment.